Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Biopolymers derived from sea creatures may help solve the problem of ocean plastic pollution
The University of Siena, in Tuscany, is heading a new project that aims to tackle the cumbersome issue of maritime plastic pollution, and it will do so with the creation of biodegradable packaging material. It will be made from polymers derived from the shells of sea animals, such as shrimp, and although it will be reminiscent of plastic visually this is where all similarities end.
The name of the project - Fish4Fish – perfectly encapsulates the ambition behind it. The sea animals will not only be the source of food but also the source of the material used to package such food. The minds behind the project, forming part of a Spanish-Italian consortium of academia and private companies, are adamant that it will be a perfect example of a circular economy.
The focal point of the research happens at the laboratories of the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Siena.
A biodegradable and compostable bioplastic will be obtained from seafood processing waste, shrimp shells in particular. These are quite rich in chitin, one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature. A soluble polymer, chitosan, is then obtained from the chitin. Using other waste from wood processing - such as lignin nanoparticles – will also give the new material antimicrobial, antioxidant and photoprotective properties.
The latter addition also means that the shelf life of perishable foods can be extended, reducing food waste in the long term. And what’s more, later on, the biofilm can actually be used as fertilizer. And for even better visualization of the idea of the project, you can watch the accompanying video.
The project has taken another step forward and is now moving towards the creation of prototypes for possible placing on the market. The advantages for the environment are undeniable, and so is the economic convenience for the private sector. Companies linked to the fish supply chain would no longer have to bear the costs of waste disposal, and food companies and shops would have a competitive advantage linked to food storage times.
The bioplastic has also been selected by the European Commission as one of the "best in class projects" for the 2021 edition of Ecomondo - the fair of environmental sustainability.
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
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Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
The benefit will last until the Dutch parliament adopts the transgender law
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
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Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team